Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is one of those good-for-you foods with an exotic name that's sure to make you feel like a trendy foodie. Considered a grain, it's actually a seed that is high in protein, iron, potassium and other vitamins and minerals. It's a good source of fiber and is a great side dish to have if your bored of rice and noodles. It cooks just like rice, but has an earthier flavor and texture. Try it in this salad for a delicious side dish to your last-of-the summer BBQ's.
Quinoa Salad with Lime Dressing
3 C Cooked Quinoa*
For the Dressing:
1/4 C Vegetable Oil
2 TB Rice Vinegar
2 TB Fresh Lime Juice
1 tsp Asian Sesame Oil
1 tsp Minced Garlic
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 Large carrot, peeled and grated
3 Green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
3 TB finely chopped cilantro
1/2 c. chopped, unsalted dry-roasted peanuts.
Whisk together the dressing ingredients. Add the cooked quinoa, carrot, onions, and cilantro to the dressing. Toss to blend. Sprinkle on the peanuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.
*To cook quinoa, first rinse 1 1/2 cups dry quinoa in water. Then add to a sauce pan with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook it in a rice cooker exactly like rice, but make sure you rinse it first.
If you don't like quinoa, you can use rice, brown rice, or pearl barley in this recipe.
I've used quinoa in a lot of recipes that call for rice with delicious and more nutritious outcomes. It also makes a great oatmeal you boil it gently in milk and add honey.
